Anthony Joshua Escapes Fatal Accident in Nigeria

Sometimes, survival comes down to a single, ordinary decision. For Anthony Joshua, that moment reportedly came just minutes before a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of two people close to him.

The British-Nigerian boxing star narrowly escaped death following a fatal car accident in Nigeria, an incident that has since sparked public concern and an ongoing legal case.

The Anthony Joshua accident in Nigeria occurred on Monday, December 29, during a journey that reportedly began in Lagos. Joshua sustained only minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment, while two of his companions were killed in the collision.

A last-minute seat change

New details surrounding the incident reveal that Joshua may have avoided a fatal outcome by switching seats shortly before the crash.

According to reports attributed to the driver’s legal team, Joshua was initially seated in the front passenger seat of the Lexus SUV. However, the driver allegedly asked him to move due to visibility issues caused by Joshua’s physical size.

Joshua reportedly complied and moved to the back seat, moments before the vehicle was involved in the crash.

“My client has pleaded not guilty and what happened was an accident,” the driver’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, told the Daily Mail.
“He is saying the brakes did not work.”

The driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, aged 46, has been charged by the Ogun State Police Command and arraigned at the Sagamu Magistrate Court.

According to police statements, he faces four charges:

• Reckless and negligent driving

• Driving without due care

• Driving without a valid driver’s license

• Causing death by dangerous driving

The case, which forms a central part of the Anthony Joshua accident in Nigeria investigation, has been adjourned until January 20.

“The Ogun State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the Anthony Joshua accident case was charged to the Sagamu Magistrate Court today,” the police stated on their official X account.

The two victims were identified as Ghami and Ayodele, both close associates of Joshua. Ghami was his strength and conditioning coach as well as a longtime friend, while Ayodele also worked as a trainer.

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn paid tribute to the men, describing their “energy and loyalty,” and acknowledging the personal loss suffered by Joshua.

Joshua was discharged from hospital on New Year’s Eve after being assessed by medical professionals.

In a joint statement shared by Lagos State and Ogun State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, Joshua was described as being “clinically fit to recuperate from home.”

The statement also confirmed that Joshua and his mother later visited a funeral home in Lagos to pay their final respects to the deceased, ahead of arrangements for repatriation.

Joshua has not publicly commented on the accident.